Award winning Short Story by Penicuik High School Student

Chloe Aitken, an S3 pupil at Penicuik High School has won a creative competition after submitting a touching tribute to her young brother.

Aspiring author Chloe Aitken penned the story called ‘My Brother the Superhero’ and entered it into a writing competition held by Scottish company Crieff Hydro Hotels. Her story is about her brother Charlie who has autism and lives life to the fullest.

Author and Judge Helen Grant added: “This story absolutely stood out as being full of heart. “Chloe talks about her brother Charlie, and all the positive things he brings to life. “I like the fact that this story begins and ends with the concept of Charlie as a superhero.

As a prize, the 14-year-old’s story will feature in a limited edition bedtime storybook, available at all eight hotels in the Crieff Hydro Family.

It will be illustrated by author Jon Bishop, known as The Grey Earl, who said: “I used to draw superheroes a lot when I started out as an illustrator, so I can’t wait to revisit those ideas and it will be a real privilege to bring life to Chloe’s words and illustrate Charlie as a superhero.”

Chloe’s story was one of 300 entries from across the UK, and independent judges, authors John Bray, Helen Grant and Susy McPhee picked 30 to go into the bedtime story book.
Only three of the stories will have theirs illustrated, and Chloe was one of these three.

Nic Oldham, Head of Customer and Commercial at Crieff Hydro Family of Hotels, said: “We were so impressed with the creativity and imagination of the children who entered our competition which visitors will be able to see for themselves in the storybook when it arrives at our hotels.

Work will begin shortly to create the book for summer and if restrictions allow, shortlisted entries will be welcomed to a Mini Book Festival at Crieff Hydro Hotel in July.

Congratulations – Chloe from everyone at Penicuik High School

Coronavirus Mobile Testing unit

A new coronavirus mobile testing unit has opened in the car park at Ladywood Leisure Centre, 14A Yarrow Court, Penicuik EH26 8HD.

This is for people who are both symptomatic and symptom free.

The centre is open this week (from Monday 24 May), including Saturday. Find out more on the council’s community testing page

Reminder – Staff In-Service Days

Dear Parent/ Carer

Just a reminder that all students are not expected to attend school on the following days:

Monday 24 May – in-service day

Tuesday 25 May – additional SQA Assessment Day

 

Kind regards

Craig Biddick

Head Teacher

Positive Covid Case

Please read this NHS information letter regarding a positive case.

Letter to All Parents re confirmed case of COVID19 in school 18-05-21

Thank you

Attendance during Assessment period – S4-S6

Dear Parent/Carer

With the senior Assessment Schedule now well underway, please once again note the following:

• In the absence of exam leave this Session, all students are expected to remain in school following their normal timetable, and to return directly to class once any assessments are complete.

• Students must not leave the building, but should be working towards the completion of remaining classwork or towards improving their evidence for this Session’s provisional grades. If alternative arrangements are required then parents can request these of the Head Teacher directly, in writing.

• If students have finished all coursework and are returning to school next Session, they should now engage with their next levels of study and can approach staff for direction in this regard.

• Once S6 students have finished their last assessment, they are free to leave school, but the office should be notified for registration purposes. Any planned activities in connection with S6 leavers will be notified over the next few weeks.

Yours sincerely

Ross Jamieson

Deputy Head Teacher

PHS School Blazers

Our School Uniform plays an important part in promoting our PRIDE values and school ethos. We are delighted to now have a new blazer that our current S5 and S6 prefects have been wearing since our re-opening in March. We believe having high expectations in relation to uniform sets the correct tone with our students, it is evidence of equity in our school community and portrays a positive image of the school to our local community and visitors alike. For session 2021-22 all students will have the opportunity to wear a blazer, including our new S1 students. Information for ordering blazers for next session will be released in due course.

Asda Gifted IT Equipment

ASDA have more than 380 dedicated Community Champions based in their stores across the UK who work with local charities and groups to deliver services in our community. From outreach programs to grant giving, the Community Champions are there to improve the lives of those living within the local community.

We were delighted to be gifted 10 Dell laptops as part of ASDA Straiton’s Community Champion programme. We were nominated as a school and were delighted to be gifted such valuable IT equipment. 10 of our senior students are now the proud owners of new laptops which will assist them as they finish their school education and will hopefully continue to be a valuable piece of equipment as they embark on their chosen career path.

Additional In-Service Days

Dear Parent/Carer

The Scottish Government has allowed two additional staff only days to support the SQA assessment and moderation process for this session. Midlothian Secondary schools will therefore ALL be closed to students on the following two dates (N.B. these date are additional to previously advertised term dates).

Tuesday 25 May

Monday 7 June

At home students will have ongoing work within subject areas at S1-3 and Senior phase students will work toward further assessments as appropriate.

 

Mr R Jamieson

Deputy Head Teacher

Assessment and ACM Information Evening – Thank you

Many thanks to the parents and carers who joined us for our Assessment and ACM Information Evening. We hope that you feel informed and have had your questions answered.

We are posting the presentation online for parents/carers who were unable to attend.  We would also encourage our Senior Phase students (S4-S6) to look at this presentation.

If you have any other questions about SQA matters, please do not hesitate to get in touch at penicuik_hs@midlothian.gov.uk

Assessment ACM Information Evening